Kirsta

Mom to Sofia

Assistant Manager, Social and Digital

Length of maternity leave: 13-weeks

Childcare: Daycare and Nanny

What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?

I am very fortunate to be on the team I am--I had support from my direct manager and colleagues across the organization because, no lie, it was very difficult emotionally and physically taxing. Once I got over the initial hump of not being with my daughter all day, I was able to ease in to work and pick up right where I left off.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

Mom guilt is a real thing. Not being able to be there for my daughter all the time is a struggle and learning the right balance for you was/is tough but I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who understand and I have to keep reminding myself that she will be stronger for it. It's also difficult to not have downtime--you're always on.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

I love the feeling that you can accomplish anything and everything -- I get up and get a tiny human ready for the day, go to work from 8:30-5 and come home to a beautiful baby, play with her, feed her, snuggle her and get her in bed then enjoy some very short alone time with my husband.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?

Family is first, always. I have a much more calm demeanor at work because after work, there is a human being who relies on you and that means the world. I'm fortunate to have the ability to be able to shut off when I need to and have a husband who understands when I need to work while at home.

Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?

Don't be so hard on yourself. This is a new phase in your life and all new things take time to get the hang of. You're doing the best you can and what's right for you -- there is no right or wrong way.

What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?

We do daycare three days a week and have a nanny the other two

Pros: The balance of having Sofia at daycare and at home works perfectly--we don't need to rush every morning and have more flexibility with work and personal time (aka the gym) on days when she's home.

Cons: The mornings of daycare can be stressful trying to get everyone out the door Having a nanny who has kids can sometimes create some issues with schedules but we luckily have a support system with family friends who can watch our daughter

Anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for creating this community! We need each other! :)